[newto53202]

Hello everyone. I have read through these posts for a little while and am looking for some advice.

I am currently attending college in Milwaukee, WI. I have family that live in Hardy, AR. After doing some investigating, and I am totally floored by how long the price of tuition is in Arkansas for school. Arkansas state and UA are like a THIRD of the price of colleges here. I am considering moving to Arkansas to finish up school (I have 2 years done in general liberal arts courses at a community college).

I would most likely live with my family for the first year or so, and try to find a job/etc. After that I'd be looking for my own place to rent.

Can you guys tell me a little about the culture/people in AR? I am a pretty typical college student. Liberal, into art, very into politics and literature. I am worried that the stereotypes I've heard about Arkansas will be true and I won't get along with anyone there.

Also, the school I am considering most if Arkansas State in Jonesboro. Does anyone know more about this school, or would you reccomend another school? I will likely be commuting and Jonesboro is only like 90 minutes away and it seemed reasonable enough.

Thanks for reading through all my rambling!

[Ark90]

If you're into liberal arts, UCA might be preferable to ASU. Conway is a much more liberal town than Jonesboro. But either way, I'm sure you will make friends if you keep an open mind and don't pay too much attention to stereotypes. Sure, Arkansas is a largely rural state, but it's got everything you could want if you're into camping or outdoor activities. Hardy has some beautiful scenery. People here are more accepting than you think, respect is pretty much a two-way street. Just get used to Southern culture and don't be too quick to judge anyone and you'll be fine.

[Dr. Foosball]

The mosquitoes in Jonesboro are bigger than your head. I can see your interest in stAte due to the proximity to Hardy, but from the friends I had who went there I have heard it is pretty boring unless you drive to Memphis

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by Ark90

Conway is a much more liberal town than Jonesboro.

Only on the Hendrix campus.

Here's the thing I've noticed about folks from Wisconsin -- they really, really like to drink beer. And in either Jonesboro or Conway, that's gonna be a problem. Jonesboro is a conservative, Bible Belt town. Yes, you'll find some pockets of liberalism on the ASU campus, but there's not much of a Bohemian, college-town feel to the place.

Now, you can get a good liberal arts education there. I got mine at ASU. Between my work in Indy and Chicago, I rub shoulders with graduates of Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, DePaul, Northwestern and Notre Dame. I feel like my education has served me pretty well. I certainly feel like I stack up well to graduates of those schools.

Of course, you can always get your education and move. But if you really must have an Arkansas university education in a liberal, artsy environment, my guess is that UA-Fayetteville is about as close as it gets. Still, it won't be like Madison, or even Lawrence, Kan. Good luck.

[nmnita]

I agree with grmaster, you may find almost all of AR a little to conservative for you,especially the areas you are considering. Fayetteville is the only true college town here and it is liberal. Even then, you do not find the kids here into politics as much as in some areas. I am getting this from my recently graduated granddaughter. This does not mean there are no young people interested in the world around them or they are all super conservative. Certainly this isn't the case. Just don't expect the same enviornment you have in Wisconsin.

As for excepting varies cultures and life style, conservative, liberal, free spirited, etc you will be fine and yes, you will make friends.

Nita

[newto53202]

Is there a good/decent market for hourly college student type jobs in AR right now?

[monkey cabal]

Go for it! Except try to move closer to the school you choose. 90 minutes is a pretty long commute if you do it every day. No reason to drive that far if you are renting.

[bagelw]

You'll be much happier living in a cheap apartment in Fayetteville than commuting 90 minutes to Jonesboro. Fayetteville is much more of what you're looking for.

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by newto53202

I have family that live in Hardy, AR.

Just out of curiosity, which Hardy do they live in?

The one closer to "Olde Town", or one of the multi-millions dotting the hillsides?

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by newto53202

Is there a good/decent market for hourly college student type jobs in AR right now?

AR isn't nearly as bad off as many states, In fact the unemployment rate here dropped a couple of weeks ago from abour 7.5% to 7.1%.

Nita